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PARLEYS CANYON — State troopers are warning drivers of dangerous road conditions throughout Parleys Canyon. Extra troopers were called out Monday evening to assist with dozens of accidents in the canyon.
“I’ve been out for about an hour and we’ve probably had 10 to 15 accidents,” said Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Nick Bricker.
Around 10 p.m., the temperature dropped to 34 degrees. Snow and rain were still falling, and the road was beginning to ice over in some areas while turning to slush in others. Cars were sliding into the guardrail and off the road.
“The slush starts to turn to snow and it gets packed into the road and that creates a layer of separation between the rubber on the tire and the road, and when that happens, if you’re driving too fast, that’s where we get the accidents,” Bricker said.
He and other troopers warned drivers to slow down. The variable speed limit in the canyon was set at 45 miles per hour Monday, but he suggests going even slower than that if drivers come across an accident.
He said drivers should also leave a one-lane buffer between their vehicle and any accident they pass, because troopers need the extra space for those needing help.
Motorists should also make sure their tires are properly inflated and have good traction, Bricker said, "because that’s what’s going to help you get through this slushy thick snow up here.”
Conditions were expected to get worse overnight into Tuesday as temperature drops, freezing rain and snow over on the road. Troopers also warned drivers about hazardous conditions for their morning commute, advising people to leave early and plan for extra drive time.
